Jennifer Peterson directs the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, a nonprofit that works with volunteers to maintain trails in the Pikes Peak region. She says the law is an important gesture from the federal government.

"To have legislation at the federal level that sort of puts all of our hard work into words, into formal action at that level is absolutely huge," she says.

The law encourages collaboration to address the backlog of trail work. It sets a goal of increasing maintenance by volunteers and partners by 100%.

Peterson says upkeep is becoming more necessary with increased traffic on trails in the region.

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91.5 KRCC's Dana Cronin climbed a couple 14ers to report on the work it takes to maintain them.

Colorado is known for its iconic 14,000-foot peaks, more commonly known as fourteeners. Despite their majestic appearance, these high peaks have a fragile ecosystem and it takes a considerable amount of effort to keep them in good condition. The season is over now, but for about five months of the year, crews work to create and repair trails.

The peak of another Colorado 14er may soon become public land. The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) intends to buy three parcels of land extending over the peak of Mount Shavano near Salida. The move comes after the discovery of mining claims which means the land is currently privately owned.